Declan Morrell has been appointed Vice President, Creative Affairs, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), it was announced by Monti Olson, Executive Vice President/Head of Pop & Rock Music, UMPG and Jessica Rivera, Senior Vice President/Co-Head of East Coast Operations. Mr. Morrell will report to Mr. Olson and is based in the company's New York offices.

"Declan Morrell is one of the finest music publishers I have ever known. He is a difference maker and a true music man through and through. I could not be happier that he has joined our team," said Monti Olson.

"Declan is a creative executive that thrives on forward thinking. His ability to discover new talent and support the creativity of the songwriters is exactly what we represent at UMP. I am proud that he is part of our team," said Jessica Rivera.

Declan Morrell said, "It is a true honor to join this great music company, and to be part of such an exciting young and dynamic creative team."

Mr. Morrell has distinguished himself as one of music industry's top A&R executive capable of bringing outstanding artists to the public arena and developing their careers to long-term international success. Morrell studied recording engineering and studio management in his earlier days in Ireland. He joined the rock act No Sweat and was signed by Roger Ames to London Records soon after. The group achieved No. 1 success with their debut song "Heart and Soul."

After disbanding, Morrell switched gears into music publishing at Windswept Pacific in Los Angeles, Warner Chappell UK and EMI Music Publishing as Senior Vice President A&R. During his tenure at EMI, Morrell signed and developed an eclectic roster of recordingartists including Busted, James Blunt, Bullet for My Valentine, and Take That—all of whom sold millions of records. In 2008 he moved to EMI Music Publishing New York where continued guiding the careers of the world's hottest songwriting talents including Matthew KOMA, The Joy Formidable and Ida Maria.